FightMND to invest $22.9 million in MND research and care in 2025

In 2025, FightMND is proud to announce it is investing $22.9 million into the fight against motor neurone disease (MND). This is the largest investment in the organisation’s history. This landmark funding will support cutting-edge research and vital care initiatives, brining hope to thousands of Australians affected by the Beast.  

Research that drives hope 

Of this total, $21.5 million is being directed towards 21 new research projects, one infrastructure initiative and several career development awards to support researchers at all stages of their professional journey. Each one of these investments is designed to accelerate the search for effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure. 

This year’s research funding includes: 

  • 2 clinical trials to test promising new drugs. 
  • 3 drug development projects to advance potential new drugs or therapies through final testing stages before clinical trials. 
  • 6 discovery projects exploring key unknowns in MND, including its causes and progression. 
  • 9 IMPACT projects tackling the challenges of MND drug development and progress to clinical trials. 
  • 1 infrastructure project giving researchers access to cutting-edge tools to study disease-related proteins, paving the way for earlier diagnosis and effective treatments. 
  • 7 career development awards, including fellowships and scholarships for early and mid-career researchers. 

Improving Care, amplifying voices 

FightMND is also continuing its commitment to care. Earlier in the year, we announced $1.4 million investment into four care research projects, FightMND’s first Clinical Care PhD Scholarship and Grant-in-Aid and ongoing support for MND Australia’s Lived Experience Network.  

These initiatives aim to improve quality of life, elevate the voices of those affected by MND and ensure care is informed by real-world experience.  

You can learn more about the projects receiving funding this year in our 2025 Cure and Care Investment booklet.

Real impact, real stories 

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, partners, and donors, FightMND has already made a significant impact: 

  • Access for over 700 Australians to participate in clinical trials supported by FightMND. 
  • 17 clinical trials have been funded across the country. 
  • 37 drug development grants have helped move treatments through the research pipeline. 
  • 6 drugs have progressed from the lab into clinical trials. 
  • More than 148 people affected by MND have had their voices heard through over 60 engagement activities in research, advocacy, and education. 

Every breakthrough, every discovery, and every story of hope is powered by the FightMND community. 

Together, we make it possible 

This work would not be possible without the generosity of our supporters, including the Federal and Victorian Governments, and major partners Coles, Bunnings, the AFL, Seven Network, Herald Sun, and Chemist Warehouse. 

But the biggest thank you goes to you. The FightMND Army. These achievements are only possible because of you. Whether you’ve bought a Beanie, hosted a DIY Big Freeze event, joined Daniher’s Drive, taken on the Challenge 27, or supported us in other ways, thank you.  

Every action, every donation and every show of support helps us invest in research that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in MND research and care. 

Stay tuned in the coming weeks as we share the exciting projects receiving funding in the 2025 grant round.  

Together, we are making a difference. Together, we are fighting MND.